Moving from Basel to Liestal

Moving just a few kilometers can feel as stressful as a cross-country relocation if you aren’t prepared. If you’re planning a move from Basel to Liestal, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! This practical guide will walk you through everything from planning the timing to picking movers (or doing it yourself), with up-to-date tips and cost estimates for 2024–2025. Short on time? Skip ahead to see price estimates and moving company recommendations.

Let’s make your local move as easy and stress-free as possible!

Planning and Timing Your Move

Start early and pick the right day

Even for a short move (Basel to Liestal is only ~17 km), it pays to plan ahead. Ideally, start planning 1-2 months before moving day. Booking a moving company about 2 months in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date. If you’re moving during a busy period, earlier is better.

Be mindful of peak moving times

Avoid end-of-month and quarter-end dates like March 31 or September 30. These are peak moving times in Switzerland. Moving mid-month or outside busy seasons (like summer) offers better availability and possibly lower prices.

Weekday vs. weekend

Weekday moves (especially Tue–Thu) offer better availability and rates. Saturdays are busy and may cost more. Avoid Sundays due to Swiss noise rules and limited services.

Pro Tip: If possible, schedule your move mid-week. Movers often have more availability (and sometimes slightly lower rates) on weekdays. Plus, check if your employer offers a “moving day” – some Swiss companies give employees one paid day off for moving house! Using a weekday off not only saves you using vacation time, but also lets you capitalize on off-peak moving rates.

What to Look Out For

Permits, Parking, and Prep

Even a short move needs a bit of coordination. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Reserve parking for the moving truck at both addresses. In Basel, request Halteverbot signs (~CHF 5/day per sign) from the police at least 8–10 days in advance. Post them 48 hours before moving day. Liestal may require similar steps—check with local authorities.
Notify your building manager. Some buildings require elevator booking or have restrictions on when you can move (especially in the early morning or evening). Give neighbors a heads-up if needed.
Disassemble bulky furniture in advance to save time. If you’re using movers, confirm whether disassembly and reassembly is included.
Start packing early. Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly by room. It speeds up unloading and helps you find things quickly.
Pack a “Day 1” box with essentials like chargers, documents, snacks, and toiletries. Keep valuables with you during the move.
Protect your belongings and both apartments. Use blankets or covers for furniture, and something to protect floors—especially if the weather is bad.
Don’t forget the paperwork. Register your new address in Liestal within the legal timeframe, and deregister from Basel. Also update your details with banks, insurance, and Swiss Post (they offer mail forwarding).

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth and stress-free move.

Choosing the Right Moving Company

If you decide to hire professionals, the Basel/Liestal area has plenty of moving companies (Umzugsfirmen) to choose from. Here are three well-regarded movers that operate on the Basel–Liestal route, each with their own strengths:

Welti-Furrer AG

A well-established Swiss company known for its high-quality, full-service moves. Ideal if you want experienced movers to handle everything, including packing, furniture disassembly, and delicate items like art or pianos.

Full-service option (packing, furniture handling, storage)

Highly professional and reliable

Local branch in Liestal for easy coordination

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Best Umzug AG

Local experts with top customer ratings. They offer professional, transparent service and fair pricing. A great choice for personal service and optional extras like cleaning and furniture disposal.

Top customer ratings (9.8/10)

Transparent, binding quotes after in-person visit

Offers extra services like cleaning and furniture disposal

Express Umzug AG

Efficient and budget-friendly, with flexible service for local moves. They’re fast, practical, and well-suited for smaller or last-minute relocations.

Competitive pricing for local moves

Known for speed and flexibility

Solid reviews and Basel-area coverage

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When contacting moving companies, it’s wise to get 2-3 quotes to compare prices and services. Many companies will send a representative for a free assessment of your home (or do a virtual survey) to give an accurate quote. Use that opportunity to ask questions: Will they pack or do you pack? Who arranges parking permits? Is insurance included or extra? Also inquire about any surcharges (e.g., for heavy items or if there’s no elevator). Reputable movers will be upfront about costs.

All three companies above operate on the Basel–Liestal route regularly, so they’ll be familiar with the area and the roughly 20-minute drive logistics. You can’t go too far wrong with any of them – the choice might come down to availability on your date and the quote you receive. Check recent reviews, and go with the team that gives you the most confidence for a stress-free experience.

(Note: We have no affiliation with these companies; they’re simply known options in the Basel region as of 2024/25. Always do a quick check for the latest reviews or any changes.)

What Will It Cost? (Price Estimates for 2024–2025)

Every move is unique, but it helps to have ballpark figures. Below we outline typical costs for two scenarios – moving a 2-bedroom apartment vs. a 4–5 room family house. These estimates assume a local move (~20 km, Basel to Liestal) in 2024/25 prices:

2-Bedroom Apartment (approx. 3 to 3.5 rooms, ~60–80 m²)

Professional Movers: CHF 800 – 1,200 on average for a basic local move of this size. This typically covers a small crew (2–4 movers) for packing the truck, transport, and unloading. If you have minimal furniture, costs might be on the lower end. Adding services like packing or a lot of assembly can push it toward or above the higher end. (For example, various sources indicate a 3-room apartment move around 740–976 CHF, but it can climb to ~CHF 1,100+ with extra services.)

4–5 Room Family House (approx. 4.5 to 5.5 rooms, ~120–150 m²)

Professional Movers: CHF 2,000 – 3,000 is a reasonable range for a larger home locally. A full-service move for a family house typically requires a bigger truck and a larger team, possibly working a full day. According to price guidelines, a 5-room household move can cost up to around CHF 2,500 in the Basel area. If you have a 4-bedroom house with lots of furniture, budget in the mid-2000s. If you also need packing services, packing materials, or have very bulky/heavy items, it could go towards CHF 3,000 or slightly above. It’s wise to get a fixed quote due to the higher stakes – moving companies will consider volume (maybe 40–60 m³ of stuff), accessibility (can the truck park close, any tricky stairs), and any special requirements.

Note on pricing: These estimates are based on typical rates in 2024/25. Actual quotes may vary ±20% or more depending on factors like access (e.g., 4th floor with no elevator can increase costs), amount of dismantling/assembly needed, and short-term demand. For instance, if you move at the end of September (a busy time) you might get slightly higher quotes than an off-peak winter move. Always get a personalized quote for accuracy. Also remember to account for additional services: if you need an end-of-lease cleaning with handover guarantee (a common add-on in Switzerland), professional cleaning for a 3.5 room apartment can cost another ~CHF 750–900, and for a 5-room house around CHF 1250–1500. Some moving companies offer package deals including cleaning at a discount.

If you move yourself, don’t forget to include the cost of packing materials (boxes, tape, padding). Buying boxes can add up; try to source used ones or ask local shops. Moving companies often loan reusable boxes or wardrobe boxes – a nice perk that saves cost and waste.

Insider Advice for a Smooth Move

Compare Quotes and Plan for Off-Peak

Use online platforms (like MOVU or Comparis) to compare multiple mover quotes easily – you might save a good chunk of money by finding a competitively priced team. If your timing is flexible, tell the movers; sometimes a company might give you a better rate if you can move on a day they are a bit less busy. Being flexible within a week or so could lead to a discount.

Declutter Before You Move

Moving is priced partly by volume, so don’t pay to move things you don’t need. Take time to sell, donate, or dispose of items you won’t use in your new home (old furniture, appliances, etc.). In Basel, you can use the Entsorgung (waste disposal) services or call the city’s bulky item pickup for things to throw away. You’ll save on packing time and possibly reduce the size of truck or number of movers needed. Less stuff = lower cost and easier unpacking.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Even local moves can have surprises. Maybe the keys to your new place aren’t ready until afternoon, or it rains on moving day. Have a contingency: tarp or plastic sheets to cover items if rain is forecast, a Plan B in case the elevator breaks down, etc. Keep calm and adaptable – with a good plan and the tips above, you’ll handle whatever comes.

Moving from Basel to Liestal is a short journey, but with the right preparation it can also be an easy one. By planning ahead, choosing the moving option that fits your needs, and minding the practical details (like permits and packing), you’ll be settling into your new Liestal home in no time – hopefully with a smile, not a stress headache!

Good luck with your move, and enjoy your new start in Liestal.

Basel to Liestal: Moving Made Easy